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The Coltimbers Chronicle
All the months news on one page
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MARCH 2009
30 April 2009
NEWS FROM AFAR
The Big Three American motor manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler and General Motors) are in serious financial trouble. None operate a sustainable business and Chrysler and GM, in particular, have made serious strategic errors, focusing on gas guzzling SUVs. It is unlikely that Chrysler and GM will be rescued by the Obama government, so they are likely to be gobbled up by one of the Asian or European manufacturers.
Locally the motor industry is having a tough time, shedding jobs and working short time, but it will survive the recession intact.
In FIFA WORLD CUP qualifiers, the big European and South America nations look on track to qualify, with the exception of France, who are struggling.
In the English Premiership, Liverpool is on a roll as it catches up to stumbling runaway leaders Man Utd (who Liverpool thrashed in March).
In the wake of the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, Indian cricket authorities move the IPL Twenty20 away from India when the Indian government is unable to provide security guarantees. South Africa is chosen as the host country, which is brilliant news and will bring all of the world`s best limited overs cricketers here for a magnificent spectacle, including a 2 day opening festival at Newlands featuring all 8 teams. In the timber industry, Col Timbers hits all its opposition for a six in terms of service and quality!
The IPL and the FIFA World Cup are good news events for the country`s tourism industry - which really needs a boost in this climate.
LOCAL NEWS
Whilst the economy is very weak, the Rand stages an impressive fightback, rebounding to R9.30 to the dollar.
Joost van der Westhuizen covers himself in scandal with a Pretoria stripper, as an alleged sex tape is distributed by Heat Magazine. The magazine goes so far as to polygraph the stripper and send the video for forensic testing in an effort to prove the videos authenticity, which has been denied by Joost. Whilst not quite achieving the universal fame of the Paris Hilton video, Joost`s sordid escapades delight scandal loving tabloid readers throughout our rainbow nation. His wife Amore and their babies vow to stick by the straying scrumhalf.
South Africas cricket team are outplayed in the home test series against the Aussies, losing 2-1 and leaving the public bitterly disappointed that we could not give those Aussies a long overdue knock-out punch. Pace bowler Mitchell Johnson is the standout performer, sending several of our batsmen to hospital, the injury list and the sports psychologist!
Rugby fever is gripping the country, with the Sharks and the Bulls looking very strong in the Super 14. The much vaunted Stormers team has underperformed, and is unlikely to make the semis. The Cheetahs and Lions occupy their usual spots near the bottom of the table.
Election fever is gripping the country. The real issue is Jacob Zuma`s corruption trial. Rumours are that the NPA will drop charges against him. Opposition parties are screaming "Political Interference", "No One is Above The Law", and vow to pursue the matter through the courts if charges are dropped. It looks certain nothing will be resolved before the inauguration, which means Jacob Zuma should be our next president.
NEWS FROM THE COL FACE
Our Joburg warehouse racks arrive. Office staff and warehouse staff receive training and the first stock load arrives in Joburg. Our focus remains on our existing customers, with stocking up of the warehouse being the second priority.
We are working smarter and have increased our stock levels in the warehouse to ensure that our continued "always in stock" policy applies. We have also increased our service on buyouts, with the factory running them next day if timber is available
MONTHLY MOTIVATIONAL THOUGHT
Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you judge them, they are a mile away and you have their shoes.
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